This was the second Boston Spa Big Festival to be organised in the village, with more than 1,000 visitors and over 30 events to amuse the crowds. These included musical evenings, scarecrow trail, Jazz, street food, literary lunch, open gardens, live entertainment, village walks, classic car gathering and much much more.

The village was buzzing over the weekend and organiser David Watts would like to thank all the helpers and organisations that participated to make it such a success; plans are already in-place to make the 2018 Festival even bigger and better.

A fine gathering of about 45 classic cars assembled at Church Fields Car Park as part of the Festival. A route of 80 miles had been recommended which took them to Coxwold, Helmsley, Riveaux, and the White Horse above Kilburn before returning to Stables Lane Park. Here the participants displayed their highly prized vehicles over a glass of Pimms (courtesy of Primrose Lane Parent Teacher Association).

Scarecrow Trail

There were 34 “official “ scarecrows and probably a dozen un-official.

There were over 250 trail maps sold and the village was humming. There were many great scarecrows but the Boston Public chose Willy Wonker as their favourite

Creator of the winning scarecrow Pippa Sterne said "We've had a lot of fun with our entry for the Boston Spa Scarecrow competition. What started in the pub with a purple velvet coat, and an idea to do Willy Wonka, grew into 4 person collaboration of Charlie and the Chocolate factory.

Pippa made Willy Wonka. His head is sculpted from tin foil and papier mache, painted chocolate brown, and decorated with 100s & 1000s and traditional sweets.

Matt Dickinson made his umpa lumpas with loving care and trawled through charity shops between Boston Spa and Leeds, returning with a significant number of striped dresses.

The toadstools were made by John O'Brien, using hanging basket liners and the candy Lollies were made by Pippa Sterne, and Lynne Jackson, using swimming noodle floats, spiralled and skewered onto plumbing pipe. Lynne also coated tin foil cases with real chocolate and smarties which were tempting to passers by, until it was noticed that the ants had got to them first.

The dog in the photo is called Charlie".

Jazz in the Spa

Very successful evening at the Village Hall with a Full House as Jazz in the Spa presented the excellent Manhattan Sound Big Band with Michaela Smith on vocals. The audience responded with rapturous applause as the band re-created the memorable sounds of the 40s and 50s including Glenn Miller, Count Basie, Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman.

Church Fields Tennis

Wimbledon comes to Boston Spa. Courtesy of Stew and Oyster a big screen was erected in Church Fields to watch the tennis. Families came with picnics and rugs. This was a wonderful day with over 100 spectators enjoying the event.

Bowling Club

On Saturday our Barkston Ash 'A' team had a competitive game against Woodlesford with a number of spectators making good use of our new paved area and the refreshments available.

On Sunday we had our Open Day, starting at 10.30am and whilst it was quite in the morning by noon the number of visitors began to increase and the afternoon period was well attended, which resulted in our event running at least an hour later than planned. Again our new paved area provided a great social space. We had a least 50 to 60 people having a go at Crown Green Bowls, a significant number being youngsters who all appeared to enjoy the experience. I think we have been able to encourage several people to come down to attend our social bowling sessions and hopefully become new members.

Again the Festival has given the Club an opportunity to let people know we are here and that the sport is competitive and challenging.

Having our own scarecrow on display and taking part in the competition certainly was really helpful in attracting people, who then came onto the green to have a go.

Boston Spa Scout Group

Boston Spa Scout Group ran a Bacon sandwich stall at Church Fields Car park. A number of scouts also built chariots, giving various visiting youngsters a tow aroiund the filed. There was some whittling skills on display too. Over 100 bacon buttys sold.

Open Gardens

This is the 4th Boston Spa Open Gardens and the second for the Festival. Eight fine gardens were on display and over 300 visitors came to see to see them. Boston Spa in Bloom helpers organised ticket sales and refreshments in the Village Hall. The Kings Church provide refreshment at Deep Dale with profits going to Martin House.

Ticket Sales.

Big thank you to Yeadons for selling tickets for the Festival events

Boston Spa WI

Boston Spa WI stall made the most of the glorious sunshine on Saturday, with

an amazing range of plants and locally made crafts for sale as part of the

Boston Spa Festival.

We had a huge range of plants on display, including some very unusual

varieties grown by our own horticulturalist! It was a great success, and we

are sure that the gardens in our village will soon be looking even more

beautiful!

Literary Lunch

Nearly 60 guests enjoyed the first Literary Lunch, hosted by the Methodist Church and organised by Anne Watts. Three local authors spoke and read from their books: Gill Belchetz (A Game of Consequences), Ken Melber (A Brush with Chaos) and Richard Newman (Sister Agatha, A Nun’s Story).

Methodist Church

A full weekend of activities took place at the Methodist Church including 'Talented Boston' an exhibition displaying the work of local artists, 'Songs of Praise', 'All Creatures Great and Small' a service of celebration and blessing for pets and the Literary Lunch.

Live Music in Millennium Gardens

Sponsored by Jazz in the Spa

A full programme of music arranged by Ken Waller and enjoyed by everyone in the sunshine in Millennium Gardens including Wetherby Silver Band and busking by Jonny Walker, Guitar Vocals with drums and Ken Waller's Oldies!